The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is excited to embrace the transformational impact of Starlink’s high-speed broadband satellite system on its rescue operations and the greater South African community, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Musk says South Africa is yet to approve Starlink satellite internet
Elon Musk’s Starlink is in talks with the South African government about launching its satellite internet service in the continent’s largest and most sophisticated economy, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
‘We are keenly interested in the recent South African government meetings with Starlink, recognising the opportunities it presents for our service and our beneficiary community, which is 98% historically disadvantaged,’ said NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson.
As the NSRI maintains its mission to save lives along the country’s coastline and inland seas, satellite technology promises to improve communication, safety, and socioeconomic growth.
‘Starlink’s satellite internet service will revolutionise our ability to respond to emergencies, especially in remote and underserved areas. The real-time communication capabilities will enhance our rescue operations and, by extension, the safety of all South Africans engaging in water-based activities. Reliable, high-speed internet access can be a game-changer for our volunteers and the lives they work tirelessly to save,’ said Dr Robertson.
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‘We believe that Starlink will benefit many sectors in South Africa, including Tourism, Fishing, Shipping, Education and our own innovation in prevention and rescue– especially in remote rural areas.’
Starlink’s satellite internet will help the NSRI’s emergency services and climate disaster response by providing reliable, fail-safe communication during natural disasters, mass rescue operations, and search and rescue missions.
‘Our rescue operations require accurate, real-time data and coordination,’ Dr Robertson emphasised. ‘Starlink will enhance our ability to assist communities during critical emergencies, especially when traditional communication networks fail.’
Starlink’s expansion into rural parts of South Africa, where conventional internet infrastructure is limited, will also allow the NSRI to provide critical services more effectively, such as water safety education and rescue. Increased connection coincides with government goals for digital inclusion and innovation, which contribute to economic growth and create new opportunities for South Africa’s underprivileged populations.
NSRI Operations Director Brett Ayres added, ‘Starlink’s technology will support our critical rescue operations and empower communities with access to educational, health, and economic resources that can uplift their quality of life. The connectivity it provides will bring enormous value to the entire country.’
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‘Starlink’s services will have a significant multiplier effect across South Africa’s economy, not only in the rescue sector in the context we describe but also in supporting growth in all other sectors and industries’, he said.
‘By enabling the NSRI to fulfil its mandate better, Starlink contributes directly to the country’s digital transformation, disaster management capabilities, and long-term socio-economic development and undoubtedly to saving lives,’ concluded Dr Robertson.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he and Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and South African citizen, discussed potential investments.
Zimbabwe has become the sixteenth African country to have access to Starlink’s high-speed internet.
Starlink delivers broadband services through a network of around 5,500 satellites launched by SpaceX since 2019, servicing 2.6 million consumers globally.
However, it is not available in crucial areas such as Taiwan due to local ownership regulations.
South African enterprises must meet black ownership standards to remedy apartheid-era disparities.
Also read:
Elon Musk and Ramaphosa discuss Starlink launch in South Africa
Picture: Mariia Shalabaieva/Unsplash
